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Rivers We Fish

Blackfoot River

Missouri River

Clark Fork River

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Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot River in Montana is a renowned fly fishing destination with a season that spans spring through late fall. Each season offers unique opportunities influenced by hatches, water levels, and weather conditions.

 

Spring (March-May)

  • Hatches:

    • Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) hatch in early spring, especially during overcast days.

    • March Browns emerge in late April and early May, providing excellent dry fly fishing.

    • Midges are prevalent during colder periods.

  • Weather:

    • Variable, with temperatures ranging from freezing in March to pleasant highs in May.

    • Snowmelt begins, causing water levels to rise and water temperatures to stay cool.

 

Summer (June-August)

  • Hatches:

    • Salmonflies and Golden Stones dominate June, creating thrilling dry fly action.

    • Pale Morning Duns (PMDs), Caddisflies, and Yellow Sallies are prominent mid-summer.

    • Terrestrial patterns like grasshoppers, ants, and beetles excel from July onward.

  • Weather:

    • Warm days with cool mornings and evenings. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.

    • Low water levels and warmer water temperatures can occur by late summer.

Fall (September-November)

  • Hatches:

    • Tricos and Mahogany Duns appear early in the season.

    • Blue-Winged Olives return with cooler weather in October and November.

    • October Caddis emerge late in the season.

  • Weather:

    • Cool, crisp days with occasional frosty mornings. Temperatures gradually decline.

    • Autumn colors provide a scenic backdrop.

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  • Weather Preparation: Always carry layers, as weather can shift rapidly in Montana.

  • Water Levels: Snowmelt and precipitation influence river conditions, with runoff peaking in May and early June.

The Blackfoot River offers diverse fly fishing opportunities, with each season providing its own challenges and rewards.

Missouri River

Fly fishing below Holter Dam on the Missouri River in Montana is renowned for its consistent flows, clear water, and abundant large trout.(6500/mi) Here's an overview of the seasons, with hatches and weather conditions:

Spring (March-May)

  • Hatches:

    • March: Midges dominate early spring, especially on calm, overcast days.

    • April-May: Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) emerge, offering excellent dry fly fishing.

    • May: Caddisflies begin hatching, adding diversity to fly patterns.

  • Weather:

    • Cool and variable, with occasional snow and rain early in the season.

    • Warmer days become more common in May, though mornings and evenings stay chilly.

Summer (June-August)

  • Hatches:

    • June: Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) and Caddisflies dominate, along with the occasional Green Drake hatch.

    • July-August: Tricos provide morning dry fly action, followed by terrestrials like ants and grasshoppers in the afternoons.

  • Weather:

    • Warm days with cooler mornings and evenings. Afternoon winds can be a factor.

    • Water remains cold and steady due to the dam's controlled releases.

Fall (September-November)

  • Hatches:

    • Blue-Winged Olives return, especially during cloudy, cool days.

    • October Caddis appear later in the season.

    • Terrestrials like beetles and ants can still be effective early in the fall.

  • Weather:

    • Crisp, cool days with the occasional frosty morning.

    • Stunning fall colors enhance the experience.

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  • The Missouri River below Holter Dam is known for its consistent flow and water clarity, creating ideal fishing conditions year-round.

  • Each season brings unique hatches and opportunities, but the river's renowned insect life ensures that anglers always have a reason to visit.

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